Itinerary: Winter Vacation in Bozeman (1 Week)

Sunshine, fresh air, and deep powder. Sound nice? Bozeman gets over 300 days a year of sunshine with over 400 inches of annual snowfall in the mountains. If you like to ride, that's a match made in heaven. Take a peak at the gamut of activities in store for you here in Bozeman's winter wonderland.

Full Day Suggestions

Big Sky Resort

If you like wide open spaces and fresh powder, Big Sky is way worth the 43 mile drive. The ski resort beats out the other mountains in terms of rideable terrain, with over 5,700 acres! I recommend getting cozy in one of their cabins for an overnighter. Nothing beats their lavish lodging and the best part is bypassing that morning traffic and being the first to hit the fresh slopes.

Big Sky Activities

Big Sky Resort offers many recreational activities in the winter months. Offering terrain parks for the avid trickster and a 500-foot long tube park, Big Sky aims to please. Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling are a few more of the many activities offered at the resort.

Cross Country Skiing

Miles of backcountry awaits you. Bohart Ranch is nestled in our historic and rugged Bridger Canyon, with trails that wind through snow covered meadows and forests. With some of the best trails in the country, try Lone Mountain Ranch's ski trails which offer impeccable grooming and snow.

Yellowstone National Park

The North entrance is the only access to the Park during the winter, which is located in southwest Montana at the town of Gardiner. Take a drive between Mammoth and Cooke City (the only road open to vehicles in the winter) and you may see many signs of wildlife, such as wolves, bison, fox, and bull elk with massive horns. Snowmobiling and snowcoach tours are also available, which give you a better view of attractions such as the hissing geysers and Old Faithful eruptions.

Snowshoeing

With a lot of backcountry being inaccessible in the thick of winter, snowshoeing is one way to channel your Bozeman Bravado. Head 15 miles south of Bozeman to Hyalite Canyon and explore the gigantic frozen waterfalls.

Dogsledding

Get on board with the Denali Dogsled Trek! Its not every day you get to experience something of this nature. Being pulled on a sled behind a pack of overzealous hounds through mountain vistas. You can sign me up!

Snowmobiling

Spend your day traversing the more than 350 miles of groomed snowmobile trails. Try Bracket Creek, 24 miles North of Bozeman, which is a network of trails that is surrounded by public lands in the Gallatin National Forest that are pristine snowmobiling grounds. Head South of Big Sky and try Bucks Ridge for more miles of excellent terrain. West Yellowstone is nearby and offers guided trips through miles of Gallatin, Beaverhead, and Targhee National Forests.

Ice Skating

Every now and again its fun to strap on a pair of skates and whirl around a bit. There are several locations around Bozeman that cater to our ice-skating whims. If hockey is more your speed, head to Beall Park which is popular for informal ice-hockey games.

MSU Sports

We are fortunate enough to have the Montana State Bobcat's in Bozeman. Spend a day or evening supporting the local college sports and ski team. Find out the schedule of games and ski team competition's and see what all the fuss is about.

Hot Springs

It is hard to think of a better way to compliment a chilly day than with some hot soothing mineral water. Drive 33 miles west of Bozeman and try out Norris Hot Springs. Every weekend there is live music playing right by the pool and refreshments nearby as well. Chico Hot Springs is roughly twice the distance from Bozeman, but offers a few more amenities, such as lodging, dining, and live music!

Hot Yoga

Revitalize your mind and body with Bikrams Yoga. Practiced in a 105-degree room, this yoga session is so beneficial! It helps to loosen up your muscles and joints and clears your mind. Even if it's your first time, I highly recommend giving it a try.

Call (406) 522-7008 for schedules and pricing.

Events

Christmas Stroll

One of my favorite Bozeman holiday traditions. The town lights up with holiday spirit, with thousands of locals in tow. It's a chance to bundle up and “stroll” through town to experience the holiday in the form of food, music, and entertainment.

Bozeman Winter Farmers Market

Sample some of Bozeman's finest foods. This is a chance to meet the locals and taste their goods, everything from locally raised beef to homemade salsa's and jam's. This begins in January and is held at the Emerson Cultural Center.

Wild West Winter Fest

If you are in the area during Presidents Weekend (February), head to the Gallatin County Fairgrounds for some of the festivities. Live music, hot food, and barns full of fun activities can be found here.

Evening Entertainment

Dining

Bozeman has a laundry list jammed full of restaurants. Come sample one of our local brews at the Bozeman Brewing Company downtown! Warm up with a hot cocoa or hot toddy at the Bacchus Pub, one of my all time favorites.

Nightlife

Films & Theatre

Catch a play, symphony, opera or comedy at one of our performance halls. The Emerson Center for the Arts & Culture is a community arts hub where you can find ski films, music, galleries, and art receptions.

Reservations

Transportation

Car rentals are available at the Gallatin Field Airport in Bozeman as well as in town. Several options for taxi and limo services are available, as well as a town bus service which offers free transportation in and around Bozeman on a regular basis.